How to Cook Can Biscuits in Air Fryer for Perfect Fluffy Results Every Time

Cooking canned biscuits in an air fryer delivers perfectly fluffy, golden results in under 10 minutes—no preheating required. Simply place the biscuits in a single layer, spray with oil, and air fry at 320°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. This quick method ensures tender insides and crisp edges every time, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute snacks.

Key Takeaways

• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and fluffy texture.
• Space biscuits apart to allow proper air circulation and prevent sticking.
• Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure consistent results.
• Flip halfway through for golden, evenly browned biscuits.
• Check internal temp (190°F) to confirm they’re fully cooked.
• Brush with butter post-cook for extra flavor and shine.

The Magic of Air Fryer Can Biscuits

There’s something deeply satisfying about the smell of warm, buttery biscuits wafting through your kitchen—especially when they’re golden, flaky, and ready in under 15 minutes. If you’ve ever stood in front of your oven, waiting for it to preheat, only to realize you’ve forgotten to take the biscuits out of the fridge, you’re not alone. That’s where the air fryer comes in. It’s the unsung hero of quick, consistent cooking, and it’s *perfect* for transforming those humble canned biscuits into something that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

I remember the first time I tried cooking can biscuits in an air fryer. I was skeptical. I’d always baked them in the oven, and the idea of using a small countertop appliance felt like a shortcut. But after just one batch, I was hooked. The biscuits came out evenly golden, with a crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior that rivaled any homemade recipe. Since then, I’ve experimented with different brands, sizes, and techniques, and I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure perfect fluffy results every time. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good shortcut, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master air fryer can biscuits.

Why Air Fryer Can Biscuits Work So Well

The Science Behind the Crisp

The air fryer works by circulating hot air around food at high speed, creating a convection effect similar to a convection oven but in a smaller space. For canned biscuits, this means the outside gets crisp and golden while the inside stays soft and tender. Unlike traditional ovens, which take time to preheat and heat unevenly, the air fryer heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature. This reduces the risk of overcooking the edges while leaving the center doughy—a common problem with oven-baked biscuits.

Another benefit? The air fryer’s compact cooking chamber means less heat loss and faster cooking. A typical oven might take 20–25 minutes to bake can biscuits, but in an air fryer, you’re looking at **10–12 minutes**, depending on your model. That’s a game-changer for busy mornings or last-minute snacks.

Energy Efficiency and Convenience

Let’s be real: turning on the oven just for a few biscuits feels like overkill. Not only does it use more electricity, but it also heats up your entire kitchen—especially unwelcome in the summer. The air fryer uses far less energy and keeps the heat contained, making it a more efficient (and cooler) option. Plus, cleanup is a breeze. Most air fryer baskets are nonstick or have removable trays that can go straight into the dishwasher.

And don’t forget the space factor. If you’re cooking in a small kitchen, dorm, or RV, the air fryer’s compact size makes it ideal. No need to wait for the oven to preheat or sacrifice counter space for bulky appliances.

Choosing the Right Can Biscuits and Air Fryer

Picking Your Canned Biscuits

Not all canned biscuits are created equal. The most common brands are Pillsbury, Annie’s, and Trader Joe’s, but there are others worth trying. Here’s what to look for:

• Size and Shape: Standard “large” biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands) are ideal for air frying. Smaller “mini” biscuits can work too, but they cook faster and may need less time. Avoid “jumbo” biscuits unless your air fryer basket is large enough (see below).
• Butter vs. Buttermilk: Both work well, but buttermilk biscuits tend to be fluffier and slightly tangy. Butter biscuits have a richer flavor. Try both and see which you prefer!
• Organic or Specialty Brands: If you’re into clean ingredients, brands like Annie’s or 365 Whole Foods offer organic options. They cook similarly but may brown slightly faster due to natural ingredients.

Matching Your Biscuits to Your Air Fryer

Air fryer sizes vary, and this matters for spacing and cooking time. Here’s a quick guide:

• 3–4 quart: Fits 4–6 large biscuits. Best for small households or quick batches.
• 5–6 quart: Fits 6–8 large biscuits. Ideal for families or meal prep.
• 7+ quart: Can cook an entire 8-biscuit can at once. Great if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers.

Pro tip: Leave about 1 inch between biscuits. Overcrowding blocks airflow, leading to uneven cooking. If your basket is too small, cook in batches.

Equipment You’ll Need

Beyond the air fryer and canned biscuits, keep these on hand:

• Parchment paper or air fryer liner: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

< Nonstick spray or oil mister: A light coating ensures crisp edges (but skip if your biscuits already have a buttery coating).

• Tongs or silicone spatula: For flipping biscuits halfway through cooking.
• Timer: Most air fryers have built-in timers, but a kitchen timer is helpful for precision.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Can Biscuits in Air Fryer

Prepping Your Air Fryer and Biscuits

Before you start, let your biscuits sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. Cold biscuits can cook unevenly, with the outside browning before the center is done. While they warm up, prep your air fryer:

1. Line the basket with parchment paper or a reusable liner (cut to size).
2. Lightly spray the liner with nonstick spray (optional but recommended).
3. Preheat the air fryer to **350°F** for 2–3 minutes. This mimics oven preheating and ensures consistent results.

Note: If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, set it to 350°F and let it run empty for 3 minutes before adding biscuits.

Cooking Process and Timing

Now for the main event:

1. Arrange biscuits: Place them in the basket, leaving 1 inch between each. Don’t stack!
2. Cook for 6 minutes: Set the temperature to 350°F and start the timer. After 6 minutes, check the color. They should be pale golden on top.
3. Flip and cook 4–6 more minutes: Use tongs to flip each biscuit. This ensures even browning. Cook until golden brown and puffed up (total time: 10–12 minutes).
4. Check for doneness: Pierce a biscuit with a fork. It should feel firm, not doughy. If the center is still soft, cook 1–2 minutes more.

Example: For Pillsbury Grands, I usually flip at 6 minutes and cook for 5 more, totaling 11 minutes. Mini biscuits take 8–9 minutes (flip at 4 minutes).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with perfect timing, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix it:

• Biscuits are too dark on top: Lower the temperature to 325°F and extend cooking time by 1–2 minutes.
• Biscuits are pale and doughy: Increase temperature to 360°F and cook 1–2 minutes longer. Make sure your air fryer isn’t overcrowded.
• Biscuits stick to the basket: Use more nonstick spray or a parchment liner. Avoid metal utensils when removing.
• Uneven browning: Flip halfway through, and rotate the basket (if your model allows it).

Elevating Your Biscuits: Flavor and Serving Ideas

Simple Upgrades for Extra Flavor

Don’t settle for plain biscuits. Try these easy upgrades:

• Garlic butter glaze: Melt 2 tbsp butter with 1 minced garlic clove. Brush on hot biscuits.
• Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top before the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Sweet cinnamon-sugar: Mix 1 tbsp sugar with ½ tsp cinnamon. Brush biscuits with melted butter, then sprinkle.
• Everything bagel style: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before flipping.

For a fun twist, slice cooked biscuits in half and add fillings like scrambled eggs, sausage, or jam for mini sandwiches.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer biscuits aren’t just for breakfast. Try them with:

• Breakfast: With eggs, bacon, and avocado.
• Lunch: As a base for mini pot pies or chicken & biscuit sliders.
• Dinner: With fried chicken, gravy, or as a side to soups.
• Dessert: Split and topped with ice cream, fruit, and whipped cream.

For meal prep, cook a batch and reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes. They’ll stay crisp and fluffy!

Data Table: Cooking Times and Tips by Biscuit Type

Biscuit Type	Size	Air Fryer Temp	Total Time	Flip Time	Special Tips
Pillsbury Grands	Large (3.5″ diameter)	350°F	10–12 minutes	6 minutes	Space 1″ apart; preheat basket
Annie’s Organic	Large (3.25″ diameter)	350°F	9–11 minutes	5 minutes	May brown faster; check at 9 minutes
Trader Joe’s	Medium (2.75″ diameter)	350°F	8–10 minutes	4 minutes	Ideal for smaller air fryers
Mini Biscuits	Small (1.5″ diameter)	350°F	7–9 minutes	3.5 minutes	Great for snacks or kids
Jumbo Biscuits	Extra-large (4″ diameter)	340°F	12–14 minutes	7 minutes	Use a 6+ quart air fryer; reduce temp to prevent burning

Final Thoughts: Why This Method Is a Game-Changer

Let’s be honest: we all have those days when cooking feels like a chore. Maybe you’re juggling work, kids, or just the chaos of everyday life. That’s why I love air fryer can biscuits. They’re fast, foolproof, and deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. No preheating, no babysitting, and no soggy centers. Just golden, fluffy perfection in under 15 minutes.

I’ve tested this method with friends and family, and the reaction is always the same: “Wait, you did this in the air fryer?” Yes, and you can too. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just craving a warm biscuit, the air fryer is your secret weapon. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about making delicious food accessible to everyone, no matter how busy life gets.

So go ahead, grab that can of biscuits and your air fryer. Follow these steps, experiment with flavors, and enjoy the magic of perfectly cooked, fluffy biscuits every time. And if you discover a new trick or flavor combo, share it! Cooking should be fun, and the air fryer makes it easier than ever to get creative. Happy air frying!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cook canned biscuits in an air fryer without burning them?

To cook canned biscuits in an air fryer without burning, preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.

Can you cook canned biscuits in an air fryer without preheating?

Yes, but preheating ensures even cooking and fluffier results. If skipping preheat, add 1–2 minutes to the cook time and monitor closely to avoid undercooking.

What’s the best way to cook can biscuits in an air fryer for maximum fluffiness?

For fluffy results, lightly grease the air fryer basket, leave space between biscuits, and cook at 320°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes. Flip halfway for even rise and browning.

Do I need to adjust cooking time for frozen canned biscuits in an air fryer?

Yes, add 2–3 minutes to the cook time for frozen canned biscuits. Start checking at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking while ensuring they’re fully thawed and fluffy.

How do I prevent my air fryer biscuits from sticking to the basket?

Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil, or use parchment paper liners. Avoid non-stick cooking sprays with propellants, as they can damage air fryer coatings.

Can I cook multiple batches of can biscuits in an air fryer at once?

You can, but leave space between biscuits for air circulation. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking, so cook in batches if needed for perfect, fluffy results every time.